Letter from the President: Fall 2021

If I’ve heard it once, I’ve heard it a hundred times as I’ve walked the Marion campus with guests:

“This campus is beautiful. It has changed so much, I can’t hardly get my bearings. Now, where did __________ used to stand?”

Whether on the Marion campus, or in our beautiful learning centers in Louisville, Cincinnati, or Cleveland, IWU’s changing physical landmarks reflect exemplary growth in academic quality and sophistication. In this President’s Report, you will get a glimpse of what God has been doing at your university over the last
few years.

Through IWU National & Global, Wesley Seminary, and the historic Marion campus, IWU’s story is one of innovation, growth, and, yes, change. But what about the missional landmarks, the spiritual foundations that help us continue being the Christ-centered university God called into existence 100 years ago?

“This is what the Lord says: Stop at the crossroads and look around. Ask for the old, godly way, and walk in it. Travel its path, and you will find rest for your souls.” Jeremiah 6:16 NLT

Recently I’ve been reminded of the admonition God gave the people of Israel through the prophet Jeremiah during a time of tumultuous change.

I believe this generation stands at a crossroads of history. God’s word to Israel is an apt word for us.

Stop at this crossroads and look around. Celebrate all that God has done.

Seek out and hold onto the old, godly ways. In the midst of change, stay faithful to the unchanging way of truth.

Alistair Begg wrote, “What the world needs from the Church is our gospel not our approval.”

IWU’s enduring message to our students, and through them to the world, is that nothing brings true peace and prosperity to our world but the rest of soul that comes from walking in the ways of godliness.

I am grateful to have received the blessings God has poured out on IWU that are reflected in this report. I am even more grateful for what hasn’t changed – IWU’s passionate, unapologetic, globe-spanning commitment to be a university community founded squarely on the godly ways of faith in Jesus Christ and confidence in the truth of God’s Word.

Our faith is the immovable foundation of our university that gives us confident hope for the future.

DR. DAVID WRIGHT '77
PRESIDENT